We believe Purposeful Learning and Meaningful Collaboration are essential to Making A Difference. And that commitment doesn't stop with our students and staff. It extends to our district leadership, including our FTCSC School Board President.

Serving as FTCSC School Board President since January 2021, Zach Smith Howard is continuing to lead by example, earning the Indiana School Boards Association's (ISBA) 2026 Board Presidents' Gold Seal Leadership Certification.

“As I started my sixth consecutive year as FTCSC School Board President earlier this year in January, it was important for me to ensure I continue to lead the district with confidence and vision,” Zach said. “Seeking the Indiana School Boards Association’s Board Presidents’ Gold Seal Leadership Certification was a tangible way for me to demonstrate my continued commitment to Franklin Township Community Schools and the constituents I represent as an elected official.”

The Gold Seal Leadership Certification took nine months to complete, during which Zach participated in leadership conferences, seminars, and conversations with school board members from across Indiana and the nation. The program focuses on strengthening school board leadership in areas such as student achievement, fiscal responsibility, governance, and transparency.

For Zach, one of the highlights was attending the Consortium of State School Boards Associations (COSSBA) Annual Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, alongside Superintendent Dr. Chase Huotari and all of his fellow FTCSC School Board members.

“Getting to learn from school board members from across the United States was a helpful learning opportunity as both Dr. Huotari and the entire FTCSC School Board evaluated how FTCSC is currently operating and how we can continually improve,” Zach said.

And Zach wasn't just learning from others. As ISBA Region 8 Director, he also helped create opportunities for Meaningful Collaboration among regional school board leaders by hosting two Coffee Chats at FTCSC's Central Office and facilitating two virtual roundtables for school board presidents.

For Zach, Purposeful Learning isn't something that ends after you've been in a leadership role for several years. It's an ongoing responsibility. “Participation in regular and ongoing professional learning and development as a school board member is essential, especially for board members in leadership roles, to stay current on the ever-changing PK-12 landscape in Indiana and the United States, as well as a commitment to student success and good governance,” Zach said.

Superintendent Dr. Chase Huotari sees that same commitment to our mission reflected in Zach's leadership. “Effective leadership requires a commitment to continuous learning and growth,” said Superintendent Chase Huotari. “By earning the ISBA President’s Gold Seal Leadership Certification, Zach has demonstrated that same commitment to Purposeful Learning and the same desire to Make A Difference that we see across our staff in service to our students, families, and community.”

And while this certification recognizes Zach's dedication to his own professional growth, his motivation goes well beyond earning an award. “I am motivated to continue investing in my own growth as a leader and school board member to make sure Franklin Township Community School Corporation continues to have good governance moving forward, which in turn allows the school district to elevate student achievement outcomes for all students!” Zach said.

Just as our students and staff embrace opportunities for Purposeful Learning and Meaningful Collaboration every day, Zach is demonstrating those same values through his leadership and commitment to our schools.

It's another example of how, together, every member of our FTCSC Flashes Community can Make A Difference.

Congratulations, Zach, on this well-deserved recognition!